UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase Ugp1 is involved in oxidative stress response and long-term survival during stationary phase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Ugp1, UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism because it provides UDP-glucose that is a pivotal metabolite in several metabolic pathways in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this study, we show that a considerable reduction of glycogen and trehalose content in ugp1 knockdown cells is rescued by complementing the expression of Ugp1, indicating that Ugp1 is required for the production of storage carbohydrates. Because of the specific function of trehalose as a stress protectant, Ugp1 expression contributed to oxidative stress response and long-term cell survival during stationary phase. Furthermore, the modulation of Ugp1 level readjusted glycogen and trehalose accumulation in the protein kinase A (PKA)-related gene mutants. The PKA-dependent phenotypes of oxidative stress resistance and long-term cell survival were also alleviated via adjustment of Ugp1 level. Collectively, our data suggest that the regulation of UPG1 influences several PKA-dependent processes by adjusting the levels of various carbohydrates.